Hall of Fame Focus: 1995 Volleyball Team

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- Each day between now and the Willamette University Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 19, we will highlight one of the individuals or teams in the Hall of Fame Focus. The 1995 Willamette volleyball team is highlighted today.

A total of five former Bearcat student-athletes, plus two teams, a former coach and one individual selected for meritorious service will be inducted into the WU Athletic Hall of Fame this fall.

The induction ceremony will be held at the Salem Convention Center. A social hour will start at 6 p.m. (PDT), with the banquet and induction ceremony starting at 7 p.m.

The 1995 Willamette volleyball team reached the NAIA National Tournament for the first time, took second place at the Regional Tournament, and won the NCIC Championship for the fourth consecutive year. During the season, the team received its first national ranking at #13.

Led by Head Coach Marlene Piper, the Bearcats earned a 29-11 record, including 12-2 in the NCIC. Willamette set school records with 88 kills in a match and 1,861 kills during the season. The team produced four All-NCIC selections, and its seniors helped achieve a record of 136-44 from 1992 through 1995 for the most wins by the Bearcats over a four-year period.

Head Coach Marlene Piper was elected to the Willamette Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011. From 1994 through 2001, Piper guided the Bearcats to a 146-83 (.638) record.

The 1995 Bearcat volleyball team will be inducted into the Willamette Athletic Hall of Fame on Oct. 19.